Getting up early on vacation usually requires a really good reason, and for me, that reason was touring Ree Drummond’s Lodge, the filming location for The Pioneer Woman cooking show. Learning that tours were available during my visit felt like hitting the jackpot, and it absolutely lived up to the dream!
The previous evening at the Mercantile, we inquired about the Lodge tours and were advised to return the next morning for a tour “ticket.” This was the perfect opportunity for a kid-free, and honestly, husband-free dash back into the Mercantile. I had spotted a few must-haves the night before and a quick exit with Scarlett hadn’t allowed for proper browsing. Seizing the moment, I quickly picked up a silver bracelet stamped with “I love butter” – my daughter Madison had excellent intuition on that one! And of course, another black and white mug joined my ever-growing collection. These mugs are irresistible!
At the checkout, I secured our Lodge tour “ticket,” which turned out to be more of a map and information sheet. It’s clear why they require picking it up at the Mercantile; you’d be completely lost trying to find the Lodge without it! The drive from the Mercantile took about 20 minutes, leading us off the main road and onto a gravel path for a good portion of the way. This sense of adventure just added to the excitement of seeing where The Pioneer Woman creates her magic.
Arriving at the Lodge, the first thing that struck me was the breathtaking view. It stretched for miles and miles – absolutely stunning! It’s easy to see why they chose this location and how much they must cherish this panorama. The Lodge is perched on a steep hillside, which initially raised my anxiety levels until we were safely inside. My daughter Scarlett, however, was completely unfazed by the drop-off near the driveway and the expansive deck that ran along the house.
Stepping inside the Lodge, some elements were instantly recognizable from the show, while others were delightful surprises. (A more detailed tour is available in the video below). The three bedroom suites were incredibly inviting, spacious, and filled with natural light. The ensuite bathrooms rivaled those of a high-end hotel. But the real showstopper was the full commercial kitchen tucked away at the back of the Lodge. It was truly a cook’s dream! Massive commercial refrigerators, an industrial dishwasher, and a huge central island – everything you could possibly imagine for a perfect cooking space. Seeing this professional kitchen made me think about my own kitchen and the desire to have quality, durable cooking sets like the Pioneer Woman collections to tackle any recipe with ease and style. Imagine creating family meals with the same level of equipment and inspiration!
While exploring this incredible kitchen, Scarlett, my daughter, quickly charmed a couple who could easily have been grandparents. She went right up to the women, hugging their legs, and then politely shook hands with their husbands. It’s heartwarming to see her connect with people so effortlessly, and you never know who will become those special, memorable encounters. It was hard to say who enjoyed the interaction more – Scarlett or her new “grandparents.” Smiles and laughter were abundant.
I’m so grateful that the timing worked out perfectly for us to tour the Lodge. It was an inspiring experience, especially seeing the professional kitchen where so much culinary magic happens. It definitely sparked a desire to bring a touch of that Pioneer Woman kitchen charm into my own home, perhaps starting with a beautiful and functional Pioneer Woman cooking set. I’m already looking forward to a return visit to soak in even more details!
Next in our blog series, we’ll be sharing all about our adventures in Waco, Texas! Stay tuned!
